Julia Singing Rudolph

Absolute cuteness. Enough said.

Let It Snow!

I won't be saying that in, say late February or March, but for right now, bring it on. The part that I love the most isn't the snow itself. It's the part that forces us to stay home and just be here, together and (hopefully!) enjoying each others company. Sometimes, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, times like this are far and few between. So, when something comes along that forces this, it's always welcome in my book.

Sadly, depending on how bad it is, it may mean missing a family party tomorrow. It's not scheduled to start until late afternoon so if we are shoveled out and the worst of it has passed, then we may still make it. I am kind of sad about the possibility of missing it, but if we do, I will be looking forward to a day at home, frolicking in the snow with the kids, and, of course taking pictures.

On the agenda today after Katherine's basketball game? Cinnamon-Applesauce ornaments. Christmas music. Sugar cookie baking. Christmas crafting. Homemade mac n' cheese. Christmas movies.

I live for days like this.

Schedule

Tonight's agenda: Mom plays taxi! How is this different from any other night? Well, it isn't really! Although sometimes Dad plays taxi too. Tonight looks like this: bring Kate to basketball practice, leave to bring Em to PTSA (sad I am going to miss), go back to get Kate, then back to Nichols to get Em.

This could be less confusing if I wasn't trying to avoid bringing Julia out past her bed time. Julia goes to bed every night at 7PM and still wakes up at 7AM tired. As much as kindergarten seems to agree with her, this is undoubtedly a side effect. She has always tired more easily (both physically and mentally) than other kids her age. It would also be less annoying if I could drive a stick shift and if Ryun's car sat more than two people comfortably.

Oh well. Such is life.

Position Statement: Charter Schools

A while back, I applied for a position to be the parent representative for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Unfortunately, I did not get the position, but, I was really proud of myself for applying. It was a big leap for me! As part of the application process, I had to provide position statements in five different areas. I thought it would be interesting to share those here. First up, we have charter schools.

Since the first charter school opened in the United States, the movement has grown to encompass over 3,000 charter schools, operating in many states, and serving over one million students. Charter schools provided educators more flexibility and the freedom to adopt academic themes, missions, instructional methods and curriculum. Charter schools are required to follow the same state educational standards, administer the same state tests, and follow the same state laws as all public schools in the Commonwealth. In Massachusetts, schools are granted a five year charter, approved by the Board Of Education. The charter serves as a contract between the school and the state, detailing how the school will teach students and measure academic success, as well as how the school will be managed and organized. At the end of the five year term, the school must produce positive academic results or run the risk of being closed.

Charter schools have some benefits that may be appealing to those who have been disenchanted with a regular public school education. The simple freedom of choice between schools is an immeasurable benefit. If one school meets the academic goals and expectations better than another the choice to attend lies with the parents and the student. Certainly, freedom surrounding the way in which material is presented to students as well as more flexibility in developing and using curriculum are two of the key benefits. Students learn differently and have different interests. A student that learns by doing might benefit from going to a school that offers a more hands on approach than may be available at the public school alternative. A student that excels in math may find more benefit in a charter school with a more specific focus on math.

The very existence of charter schools, as well as their increasing popularity gives a clear indication that many parents and students are not happy with the education received in traditional public schools. The ability of charter schools to admit students of their own choosing also poses a potential downfall for the public schools from which the students are being removed. If the charter school picks only high performing students, those students’ achievements will not be reflected in the traditional public school’s academic records. Funding for schools is determined in part by the number of students enrolled in the school. If more and more children attend charter schools, funding for the public schools will be lost. Lower funding rates mean less access to programs and resources that might otherwise be available if the funding was there.

In conclusion, there are many things to consider when looking at the positive and negative points of charter schools. As long as there are problems in public schools, school choice and charter schools will be a popular alternative.

Somehow...

...ten years have passed since Katherine was born.

I have no idea how, because it seems like it was just last week that I was peeling squash and potatoes at my mother's kitchen table, in preparation for a dinner I would not even get to eat. It seems like it was just last week when Thanksgiving Day came and gave me one of the greatest reasons ever to be thankful.

Somehow, ten years have indeed gone by...



...and Katherine has gone from my baby...



...to my beautiful little girl.

Happy Birthday Katherine!

I really have no idea...

...how I fit this all in but somehow I manage.

Tomorrow: Emily has student council. I have school council. Katherine has an after school reading program and Julia will be arriving home...all happening at, of course, the exact same time. Ryun will be at work during all of this so I am thinking a clone of myself might be in order. Or...I could bring Julia to school council with me (since it is our first meeting it will be rather quick). Emily also said she could skip one student council meeting which would make it so she would be home in time for Julia. Hmm...

Oh but it get's better. Here's my Thursday for you:

12:30-2:30 volunteer in Julia's classroom. Go to an appointment at 3. Run home to pick up Emily (and if Ryun gets a late afternoon call and isn't be home, Julia). Go pick up Katherine after day 2 of the after school program. Go eat a quick dinner somewhere. Bring Katherine to dance at 5:30. Bring Emily to Scouts at 6. Pick Katherine up at dance at 6:15. Drop her off at home. Go back out to food shop. Pick Emily up at Scouts at 8.

UPDATE: I totally forgot, Emily doesn't have Scouts this week due to a scheduling change! YAY for a slightly less hectic Thursday!

If Only It Was That Easy!

Julia: "Mom, when did I get my skin?"

Me: "Before you were born."

Julia: "So, when I was in there(pointing to my stomach)?"

Me: "Yes."

Julia: "Yeah, and then you went to a magic circus tent and the person said, "ABRACADABRA, ALAKAZOO GET THAT BABY OUT OF SHARON'S BELLY." Then I was alive!"

Funny

"Oh my God, my hip hurts from all of this laughing." Julia, this morning after I tickled her a lot. Too cute.

The scar isn't going to be pretty...

...but it sure beats skin cancer. The thing removed from my arm? Was a basal cell carcinoma, also known as skin cancer. Yikes. Clearly I have many of the risk factors; pale skin, blue eyes, red(ish) hair. If genetics come in to play, I've got that too (both of my parents have had basal cell's removed). I have to go back in three months to make sure the scar has healed and that there has been no recurrence. I also have to make an appointment with a dermatologist so that I can set up yearly skin checks.

The stitches are out but, I have steri strips across the scar which need to stay on for a week or so (which is when they should fall off on there own). I am not surprised by this as I wasn't entirely sure the stitches themselves were ready to come out. The incision was in a very precarious spot...right where my arm meets my chest area, just to the right of and below my collar bone. The area was moved around and stretched with just about every move my arm made. I tried not to do much, but there were times when I could feel the stitches pulling a bit. My being ambidextrous has come in handy over the past week.

I forgot to mention to the doctor the general stiffness and discomfort (not pain really) I have felt all over the shoulder area since the basal cell was removed. There was actual pain localized to the incision for the first day or two but the stiffness and general discomfort seems to have gotten worse. I suspect it is because I have been trying to keep my shoulder/arm fairly still as much as possible to keep the stitches from pulling. Once I gain full range of motion and can properly use my arm again (reaching behind or up was most difficult and still is because I can feel the actual skin pulling) I am hoping the stiffness will disappear. If not, I will call and see what the doctor thinks.

Anyway, that was my exciting Wednesday morning.

Also? I am buying stock in Coppertone.

Hmmm...

I have been unusually tired lately and I can't seem to figure out why. Nothing of note has changed. I am the same amount of busy as I always am. It's weird...and annoying. Take tonight for example. It's not even 8:00 and I am seriously considering getting the kids clothes ready for tomorrow and going to bed. Meanwhile, I have this mental list of things I want to get done (from the little things like reading the books I have piled up to the big things...you know like total world domination...ha ha ha). Seriously though, it's really frustrating.

I need to figure something out.

Veteran's Memorial Park

I went and took pictures at Veteran's Memorial Park today. I have wanted to go and get a closer view (as opposed to just driving by ) since it was built. I was moved to tears, honestly. It's a beautiful spot, and a wonderful way to honor our veteran's.

No Thanks!

Me to Julia (after she walked right past me this morning without so much as a glance): "Please come here for a minute...I need a "good morning" hug!"

Julia: "Um, no thanks, I don't need one."

Foliage

I spent Columbus Day weekend with my sisters in North Andover. On Saturday, we took a drive through Peterborough, NH. This is some of what we saw.

Perspective

Julia to me (after Ryun and I were discussing the yucky, cold weather): "Mom, I am glad summer is over. The sun was always getting in my eyes and it hurt." Perspective is everything!

Busy Much

Just for the fun of it, here is what I have on tap this year for activities etc.

-Three girls in 3 separate dance classes.

-Two girls in 2 separate Girl Scout Troops.

-one girl playing basketball.

-one girl involved with the Art Club and Student Council at school.

-one Mom (ME!) President of the PTA

-one Mom (me again!) chairing the PTA Advocacy Committee

-one Mom (guess who?) being active members of the following PTA subcommittees: the Green Team, Bake Sale, and Teacher Appreciation.

-one Mom(three guesses): member of the middle school PTSA.

-one Mom (still me!) volunteering every Monday afternoon in Kindergarten.

-one Mom (uh huh) being the Room Parent to a 4th grade classroom.

-one mom (yes) serving on the Kindergarten School Council.

-one Mom (you guessed it) serving on the MA State PTA Legislative Advocacy Committee.

-one Mom (enough already!) working 20 hours per week.

Busy much?!?!? I am not complaining really. These PTA/Advocacy/Volunteer type things? Are what I was put on this earth to do and I love it.

So...

...I was going to sort through winter clothes today; washing what will still fit the girls and bagging up for donation the rest. Then, I thought, "Hmmm, Emily would love to help me with this massive undertaking (three kids=a lot of clothes). Maybe we can work on it when she gets home from school. Wouldn't it be a great mother-daughter bonding experience?" Yes, clearly I am looking for any excuse to get out of doing it right now, though I do think Emily would really enjoy helping (imagine that...a tween actually enjoying helping her mother with a chore). The boxes have been down from the attic for weeks now, just waiting to be sorted through and Emily has asked a number of times when I would be going through them.

Speaking of Emily, tonight is parent teacher conferences. Of course I am going to go but basically? Every parent teacher conference I have ever had for Emily has gone like this: "She is so bright, she is doing well, and she participates in class but she really needs to get organized. She doesn't always have what she needs and sometimes can't find things." I doubt these will be any different. So tonight, even though I have all of three minutes to chat with each teacher, I am going to see if they have any suggestions for her and I to take in to consideration. It might require a separate meeting to discuss at length, which is fine. I just don't have any more ideas.

Responsibility...Where Does Mine End?

How much responsibility do I need to take for Emily's school work and lack of organization skills? How much reminding do I need to do? How much correcting do I need to do? How much is too much? How much is too little?

She's 12. She has ADHD. She's not hyper...just disorganized (more so than the average kid) and slightly impulsive. And, the poor child has a mother who has OCD when it comes to these kinds of things. Nothing is ever in it's correct folder, her locker looks like a tornado blew through and she is frequently missing things she needs for class or homework. Still, to her credit, she's quite smart...perhaps in ways that go beyond her years. Her grades don't generally reflect her disorganization. Most of the time (with Math being the exception) she gets all A's and B's. Disorganization aside, Math is hard for her and if anyone can relate to that, it's me. So my line of thinking is two fold; if she was organized and "together" would she be getting all A's (and really in the scheme of life how important is that?) and, if she can be a disorganized mess and still be successful, does it even matter to begin with?

The bottom line is that I am thinking that it is time for the responsibility to shift a bit. Clearly my nagging and reminding do nothing to help the situation and all suggestions and accommodations we have tried don't appear to work. Trying to get her organized and together causes more arguments and stress than I think is worth it, especially given the fact that the it doesn't appear to be helping get her organized. Emily is old enough to understand consequences. Maybe it's time for me to step back, and just let the natural consequences of her situation take the spotlight? Thoughts?

Karma

So, after all of the hemming and hawing I did about jury duty, a sick child got me out of it...until next Tuesday that is. Emily is home with me today with various complaints of pain, and a cough to go with it. She definitely seems a bit off and is fairly mellow. Is it terrible for me to say that she is much easier to deal with when she is sick? Probably, but it's true. She's too mellow to be the dramatic preteen that she usually is, too tired to be fresh, and too blah to give that famous eye roll. of course, I do hope she feels better soon!


As much as I hated the idea of jury duty, I was sort of looking forward to getting it over with. I am also not sure what to do with myself today now that I have the day off. Work is always an option, as are PTA things, fall decorating, laundry, housecleaning etc. I am pretty spontaneous but I do have to say when my plan or the day is changed, it kind of throws me off kilter. I am sure I will figure something out.

Anyway, off to it...whatever it is!

Tap, Tap, Tap. Is This Thing On?

Yes, I am back. Yes it has been close to four months since the last update here. Yes, I am ashamed. And yes, I am listening to the Fray, which has absolutely nothing to do with anything but somehow seemed to fit in to this paragraph.

So, clearly this would be the longest blog post ever if I were to update you all on what has gone on in my life over the past four months. We can just sum it up in two words: nothing major. Life has just gone on, you know? It makes sense, at least to me, to start from here, this moment right now and go forward.

Or perhaps we could fast forward a day or two until Monday when I officially have to report for jury duty. In making every effort to get out of this, I have indicated on the jury questionnaire that I am of the opinion that if the police have arrested someone, they are more than likely guilty. I don't really think that of course but, it seems like it will be one heck of a good reason for me not to serve. Civic duty be darned. Let's face it people; jury duty sucks.

I sat on a jury once. It was some silly personal injury case in which the pizza delivery dude who slipped on ice while making a delivery was suing for some crazy amount of money. I remember thinking that the monetary compensation he ended up receiving was so dramatically less than what he was asking for, that the whole court procedure was a wast of his time. There's no question that it was a waste of mine.

Funny

The other day, Julia came in to my office and said, "Mom, when I turn 11, are you all going to die?" I responded no of course, but asked her why she wanted to know. She said, "Because Emily total me that when I turn 11, I will be so old that you guys are "just going to die.""

Question

At what age do you think it appropriate for a child to walk around (with 3 other children of the same age) an amusement park by themselves? Imagine that there will be adults there that the children will be required to check in with at predetermined intervals of time.

So...

...with the exception of the "locked blog" and the Elementary PTA blog, I have decided to cancel all other blogs and do it all from here. As it is, I am having a hard enough time keeping up with this, my main blog; I can hardly expect to keep up everywhere.

I may or not not import all entries from my various other blogs. I do not plan on deleting them, just not updating any further.

I will also be updating the blog roll with some new additions, as well as deleting those that are inactive.

***UPDATE***Done! the blogroll is current!

End Of The Year Teacher Gifts

Over the course of my time as a Mom to school age kids, I have done many varied things to show our appreciation to their teachers at the end of the year. I am going to share some of those ideas here.

Perhaps my favorite gift was the one we made the year Emily was in 4th grade and Katherine was in 2nd. I had two pocket size photo albums (Creative Memories Mini Picfolios to be exact) that held wallet size pictures. I had the kids make a book that we called, “What I Learned In Mrs._________ Class This Year.” They wrote their words on cut to size pieces of card stock and we slipped them in the book. We ended the book with a wallet size school picture from that year. Some of the things they wrote were related to academics (“I learned how to add double digit numbers!”) and some were more like life lessons (“I learned about how to be a good citizen.”) The teachers loved it! Emily’s teacher specifically, sent home a really nice thank you note a couple of weeks in to summer. I remember how cool Emily thought it was to get mail from her teacher over the summer.

Periodically throughout the year, I send in supplies with the kids to stock the classrooms…pencils, glue, crayons in the younger years, tissue, wipes, paper towel etc. I have done this as an end of the year thing as well…to restock the teachers/classroom for next year. This year, I am going to be a little more creative about it and send in bunches of pencils attached with a note that says, “You’ve got the “write” stuff! Thank you for all you do!” You can get packs of 20 pencils at Ocean State Job Lot for as little as $1, so it’s inexpensive enough to get multiple boxes, to make sure the teachers start the year off well stocked. I love giving the teachers something I know they will use (or their students will use) and with the way the budget has looked over the past couple of years and into the future, I just don’t think you can go wrong with supplies.

This year, for all of Julia’s teachers and specialists, I want to do a little more than I might usually. This has been a remarkable year of growth for her, and it’s due in no small part to the help and attention she receives at school. As many of you know, I “dabble” in photography a bit. I have been busy making note cards with some of my scenic pictures…pictures of flowers in bloom for the spring, the beach for the summer, colored leaves for the fall, and a white ,snow covered landscape for the winter. I am putting together a seasonal package, with note cards from each season included. I have little cellophane bags that I will wrap them in, with a pack of flower seeds attached on the outside that will have a tag that says, “Thank you for helping Julia grow!”

For the bus drivers I plan on giving a car freshener with a note that says, “Thank you for bringing my child to and from school safely!” Simple, but effective.

In years past, I have sent the kids in with homemade baked goods, and, I have also gone the “gift card” route. I have done Dunkin Donuts, Borders, and Target in the past. I like these ideas, but I also like making it a bit more personal.

Of course, with each of these ideas, I attach a personal note of thanks from myself, and in most instances the kids. Nothing warms the heart more than a note from a student showing appreciation for all they have learned!

Too Much, Too Fast

This article could not describe my feelings about public education and the associated pressures any better. Kids just aren't allowed to be kids any more, and it's sad...really sad.

My support of public education and my involvement in the schools notwithstanding (my main reason for being involved to begin with has nothing to do with education really and more to do with my need to be "in the know"), it's the pressure and "inability" for kids to just be kids that has often lead me to thinking that homeschooling may in fact be a better option.

Spring...Right Around The Corner

It's a beautiful day in in good old New England...near 60 degrees, sunny, and a picture perfect clear, blue sky. I have been craving, in a big way some outdoor time...time to be outside in the elements, just taking it all in. I decided that today would be the perfect day to head south...to the Cape Cod Canal. I always forget how much I love that place until I return. It's just so peaceful...so beautiful...and just what I needed to lift me a little further out of the depths of the winter blues. Because let's just face it...I am a happier person when I am outside and not freezing...surrounded by nature...totally in tune with the world around me. Nothing speaks to me on a deeper level.

Another Conversation

Me: "Em, do you think you will do ok on your math test today?"

Emily: "Yes, Mom because I get proportions and ratios like I get Dad is not from this planet."

Conversation

Ryun: "So, why are you in such a funk?"

Me: "It's March, oh and I hate school, hate homework, am sick of Mardi Gras, I hate the bleeping weather, I am a woman so I am a hormonal mess any way, and oh, did I mention that it is March?"

Cue Ryun's "God help me" look.

Poor guy.

Ugh

The other night? I had a dream that it was raining glass. We (my immediate and extended family) were at my parents house. We were all outside at the pool, on a beautifully sunny day, that changed suddenly and without warning. It was immediately dark and stormy. At first, it was small slivers of glass falling and we were not sure what it was. Suddenly we heard the motor of a plane that sounded like it was in trouble. We looked up at the tree tops and indeed saw a plane that was coming spiraling down. At that point, we realized it was glass falling from the sky and we ran in to the house and found the hallways and floors of the house were also covered in glass. For some reason, Julia was the only one without shoes on. We were all searching frantically for her shoes so that she wouldn't step on the shattered glass and cut her feet. It was me who realized that they were outside in the middle of the front yard. I told everyone that I had,to get them and that I didn't think it was dangerous for me to do so. The need to get her sneakers was very high, almost dire in nature, even though I knew that she cold have been held, or sat down in a chair. I went outside, feeling calmer than I should have been (or, in reality would have been if this was "real life"). The last clear image from the dream is of me, standing on the front stairs, looking down the hill of the front yard at her shoes. The shoes, despite it being dark and stormy, were standing out, practically glowing.

This was one of the most unsettling dreams I have ever had. I have looked up the most of the clear and obvious images from this dream and included them here.



To see broken glass in your dream, signifies a change in your life. Alternatively, it could be symbolic of an aspect of your life that is in pieces. You will find that a situation will come to an abrupt and untimely end. If you are walking on broken glass, then it suggests that you will be experiencing some heartache or pain.

To dream that a plane crashes, suggests that you have set overly high and unrealistic goals for yourself. Your goals may be too high and are impossible to realize. You are in danger of having it come crashing down. Alternatively, your lack of confidence, self-defeating attitude and self-doubt toward the goals you have set for yourself is represented by the crashing airplane; you do not believe in your ability to attain those goals. Loss of power and uncertainty in achieving your goals are also signified.

To hear the tapping of the rain on the roof, denotes spiritual ideas and blessings coming to mind. It may also suggests that you will receive much joy from your home life.

To see or wear sneakers in your dream, suggests that you are approaching through life with ease and little obstacles.

A couple of things strike me. Clearly the reason Julia had to have her sneakers, despite there being other options, is because I am concerned with the upcoming "obstacles" in her life...in particular, kindergarten. The sneakers represent ease and little obstacles, which is exactly what I am hoping for her. My willingness to go out in to a storm of raining glass is indicative how far I will go to make sure I am doing everything I can for her.

I am still trying to figure out the glass part. I don't quite feel like my life is in pieces, although there are some parts that could use, um, a little assembly. I am certainly hoping I am not going to be experiencing any heartache or pain any time soon.

I have made it perfectly clear here on a number of occasions that my self confidence is practically nil. Uncertainty? Self defeating thoughts? Yup, got those. The airplane imagery is as clear as day.

What Kind Of Parent Are You?

One of my favorite columns ever is the Washington Post column called, "On Parenting." Today's article is titled, "What Kind Of Parent Are You," and it includes various descriptions/packages a parent usually falls in to.

While I think that my natural tendency would fall in to the "helicopter" parenting, I work hard to avoid hovering. While a certain amount is necessary, especially in the younger years when a parent's support is needed more, constant hovering, in my opinion, does more damage then good. It's an effort for me to let go a little, but I am doing it.

A better description for me would be this: The (occasionally) Helicopter, Soccer/Hockey, Traditionalist, Slacker Mom.

Watchful and involved (sometimes overly so)? Check.

Coordinated schedules/chauffeur? Check.

Stay at home with the kids? Check.

Somewhat organized...forget a permission slip, love my hoodies? Oh hell yeah.

Disney

What follows was originally written as an email to my parents and sisters. I have copied and pasted it here. It's a bit choppy and all over the place, but I didn't want to re-write the entire thing.

So…I have been doing a TON of reading about traveling to Disney with a special needs child. Of course, most of what I find is related to people with physical handicaps, but I did find one book that basically covers every special need imaginable…from ADHD to Asthma to Autism…and everything else you could imagine. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share with you guys some of the stuff I have found!



One thing I found out about is called a “Guest Assistance Card.” It is something that is available at all four parks. Basically, it’s a card that might allow specific accommodations for your child…for example a child who has autism might have trouble waiting in long lines with people might be able to go in the handicap access entrance, which typically has shorter lines. It also allows you to use your carriage as a wheel chair, which also allows you access through the handicap line. I don’t know how much, if any of this applies to Julia, but if I decide to go forth with it, I will ask Dr. B to write a note that we can bring with us, and bring it to guest services when we enter the parks. I am still thinking about it because I am honestly not sure if these types of things will be for Julia, but it is something to consider anyway.



I don’t think we have any plans to eat at the following restaurants but this is interesting to know anyway: At the Biergarten in Germany, the table service restaurant in Japan, and the Spirit Of Aloha dinner at the Polynesian you may be seated with strangers.



Another idea which I could use book I am already making for Julia about what we will be doing each day, was to make a picture itinerary and put stickers on things that we have done. I think Julia will like that.



A suggestion from one of the mothers quoted in the book I bought was to bring a small pen light attached to a lanyard. It’s a small enough light that no one else would be bothered by it but just enough so a child would no be afraid in the dark of a scary ride. Along the same idea, have your child wear sunglasses if they are bothered by bright or flashing lights.



Some of the more popular rides in the parks offer something called, “Rider Switch.” If the whole group, minus one or two kids wants to go on a ride, the whole group waits together in line. Then one person stays behind with the kids that don’t go on. When the ride is over, the person waiting behind can go on and doesn’t have to wait in line all over again.



Regarding Julia’s birthday you can call the operator at the hotel and ask for Goofy’s special birthday message. There is also a number we can call to order a cake for her birthday if we want. I think that would be fun maybe for when we come back to the hotel in the afternoon to relax for a while before going back out that night. As you know, we can get her a gift card in place of free admission on her birthday. We can also go to Guest Relations at the park we are visiting and get a special button that says, “Today is my birthday.” Sometimes a cast member or character might do something special if they see that button. Another fun idea was to buy Disney themed birthday cards and sign them in the characters signature (how cool would it be to get a birthday card from Mickey Mouse?!?!). I will just copy and trace pictures of their signatures online if I do this.





This idea will be right up your alley Mom (just kidding!). Bring one of those pop up mesh hampers that folds down to store dirty laundry in for the week. I already bought mine for $1 in the Target dollar section.



One of the suggestions in the book I bought said to have a “sensory bag” available for your autistic child/child with sensory concerns. That way if they are having a “sensory overload” moment in the park, they can direct their sensory input elsewhere…by reaching in to the bag to feel something soft, hard, squishy etc. I have for Julia a small stuffed animal Mickey, a small Incredibles icepack (which I won’t freeze obviously but it will be good for the gooey squishy feeling), a rubbery ball with “fringe” on it, a package of erasers, a small Tinkerbell hard wand, and some small rubbery fish that stretch and pull back. Most of those were in the target dollar spot too…except for the wand which was in the regular toy section…still really cheap.



Someone that she is in dance class with recommended packing a surprise carryon bag for her that will have all kinds of small, entertaining things in it. The idea is not to let her open it until we are on the plane. I am doing this for Emily and Katherine too. For Julia’s bag I have a Cars dry erase board and marker, a Monster’s Inc box (small, like post card size) with notepaper in it, a “princess busy book” that has small magnetic Disney princess figurines in it to put in to the story, a small Incredibles snack container for pretzels or cheerios or other small snack in, Tinkerbell paper and stickers, a princess stationary pack that comes with a pencil, ruler and erasers, a package of crayons and a small Mickey Mouse board book.



For Emily and Katherine I have the following (2 of each) Cars Dry Erase boards, Disney playing cards, an Incredibles snack container (same as Julia’s), princess stationary set (same as Julia’s) a Toy Story box with notepaper in it (just like Julia’s Monsters Inc one) and a Disney Fan book…which is full of quizzes and tests about Disney Channel shows. I also got a book called “Cranium in a Book” which is the same as the game…just downsized, which could be fun in the hotel room for down time or at night or whatever.



Thanks to Michaels’ and Target’s dollar spots, and “Border’s Bargain Blowouts” I have done all of this for very little money over the past couple of months!



I am also going to do a “Disney count down” before we go. I have a few ideas for this. I am going to buy Disney paper plates that we will eat dinner off of that week. I am making little post card size cards for each night with a countdown number on it and Disney stickers/confetti (5 days til Disney etc). I am also going to go to this website (Mouse for Less) and print out free of charge a Disney countdown chain (similar to one you would make around Christmas but pre-printed with pics of the Disney character on it).

Whew. I think that’s it! Can you tell I am having so much fun with this?!?!?

Sometimes I wish...

...I could pick up and move my family...to a cabin in the woods/mountains in the middle of nowhere. No school, no people, no tvs, no computers, no...nothing. Just us...enjoying our own company.

This is why...if time travel were possible, I would go back.

Teaching Responsibility...The Hard Way

The kids are not enjoying the newly enforced, "absolutely no food in the living room" rule. I don't really understand why it is so difficult to actually pick up the wrappers off of the table, or return the cup to the sink, or pick up the cracker you can plainly see on the carpet. The hope of course is that if they are forced to eat all snacks in the kitchen, without their toys and without the tv, that they will learn the responsibility that surrounds, well, snacking. Even Julia, at the age of four, is old enough and capable enough to throw a wrapper away and put a cup in the sink (and actually, of the three kids, she is the most responsible about this type of thing, which, while I am not complaining, just seems...backwards).

It's these kinds of things that puzzle me when it comes to parenting. How, after years of my telling them to pick up, observing others do it, modeling the behavior myself (I may not be the most organized person in the world but I don't leave wrappers and dishes around the house)and just what seems common knowledge that wrappers go in the trash, do they not just know and do this?

Who knows. One of two things will happen...they will either hate the idea of eating in the kitchen and learn to clean up, or, they'll learn nothing and just get used to eating in the kitchen.

Life

You know, this blog (and other incarnations of it) have been close to my heart for so long, I can't seem to it let it go, even if updates are so far and few between. Thanks to Facebook and Twitter, and the easier quick line or two updates, this blog has been neglected. I recently thought about how it has always been my intent for this blog to be a memoir of sorts, recording my family's history in one spot. The cute one liners I post on Twitter regarding the kids, or the brief updates on FB about my plans for the day are easily lost in the mix. Since I am able to file them here with labels, keeping track of them and going back through them is easier. All of this is basically to say, that while I will continue with Twitter and FB, I am really going to make a concerted effort to post here more frequently, even if it is just a quick one liner about the kids, or a brief update on what's going on in my life.

I miss it over here.

The Sex Talk...

...And Why Raising A Daughter In This Day and Age Scares The Hell Out Of Me.

Things like this scare the hell out of me. At 13, and even, dare I say 15, sex wasn't even on my radar (well, it may have been a bit more on the radar at 15 than 13 but was still something I would never have considered even doing, had the opportunity even presented itself). It's not like it was as unheard of back in my day as it would have been back in say my parents day, but the frequency of these types of stories seemed a lot farther and fewer between. It seems like every day we are hearing more and more sexually inappropriate stories and of children becoming adults way before their time (the recent story of a 13 year old boy texting a nude photograph of his naked teenage girlfriend comes to mind). I guess my big question is what has happened? Where has the responsibility and moral goodness gone?

Please don't misunderstand. I am not one that thinks sex should wait for marriage. I believe that it is something that should be reserved for a committed relationship, and not something that should be done, at least as a teenager, just for the heck of it. To me, it seems like in this time, that sex has lost some of it's "specialness" because it appears to be entered in to in many cases without a care, or perhaps, consideration for what it really could mean.

The part that scares me to death is the part that involves my three daughters going out in to a world where there are 13 year old boys and 15 year old girls (and in some cases younger) having sex. Where there are girls that are allowing their boyfriends to take nude photographs of them. Where there are boys sending said photographs out to the world. Then, there is also the part where I constantly second guess if I am doing a good job. Where I frequently wonder if, as the girls get older, my influence will be enough to help them make positive decisions about sex, and about major life choices in general.

No one ever said this parenting thing was easy. They weren't kidding.

Maybe...

...the teachers, rather than the students should be the ones taking these silly state tests? I joke, of course, but this story is just funny.

Kindergarten and Julia

Things I Am Nervous About (more so than I would be normally or than I was w/ Emily and Katherine) In List Form:

---The big bus, for a multitude of reasons..she's so small and the seats are huge in comparison, the crazy bus transfer thing, the number of kids on the bus, and the specific guided direction she will need and won't get unless she's on the mini bus.

---the classroom. I have a hard time picturing Julia sitting attentively in a classroom, without an aid consistently re-directing and reassuring her.

---the full day.

---the bathroom. She has a weird "thing" about bathrooms and I find it highly unlikely that she will go to a bathroom on her own without an adult there (she does this at home of course but I mean in a public sort of bathroom situation at school) or that if she does manage to go to the bathroom herself, if she will be able to find her way back to her class, or not choose to go wondering.

FYI

Adventures In Education has been updated, again.

Katherine

In such a typical "middle child" thing to do (suffer quietly while the attention is bestowed upon older and younger siblings), Katherine informed me just last week that she has been missing recess consistently for months, due to unfinished class work. Needless to say this was all horrifying to me (missing recess to complete work, her keeping it to her self for so long, and the fact that the teacher had not been in contact with me to let me know what was going on).

Rather than share the whole letter I will quote a portion of it here, in which I directly address my distaste for missing recess to complete work.

"While I agree that the work needs to be completed, I would like to try, with your assistance and guidance, to find out why that is, and take steps to correct the problem, rather than just have her miss recess to get it done."

Of course, that was a lot tamer than what was going through my head. Something that the teacher brought up at Katherine's Parent-Teacher Conference back in November was that Katherine's social behaviors sometimes get in the way of her academics (read: talking too much). I wonder exactly how taking recess away will help in that regard? As it is, the kids only have that 15 minutes in a six and a half hour day of unstructured free play. Taking that time away for any reason (most especially not completing class work) is certainly not going to help her pay attention and talk less. I wonder why teachers, who seriously should know this stuff and should make the connection, don't?

I also wonder why the first step wouldn't be to figure out why she isn't finishing her work. Is she being allowed that recess time and still not paying attention/talking too much? Is it too much or too hard for her? Is there some other distraction?

I understand the idea behind taking recess away, besides the obvious part of the work needing to be done. I am guessing the hope is that the child will make the connection that if they don't finish their work they will miss recess. In some cases, maybe that is true, and maybe the problem would be solved. After months of though? I think it's time to explore other options.

FYI

Adventures In Education has been updated.

Letter Says It All

Below is the letter I wrote to Emily's teachers, her principal and guidance counselor. It's a little more personal than I tend to get normally but, I am anxious to hear your opinions and thoughts on it, so I left it all in there!

I wanted to touch base with you regarding my daughter, Emily. Emily continues to have difficulty with organization, and as you are aware, this is affecting her grades in a negative way. You may not be aware, that it is also affecting her self esteem in the same way. I would like to request a meeting to discuss these concerns with you, and perhaps come up with a plan to help Emily achieve all that I know she can.

Emily is currently on a 504 Accommodation Plan, in which her diagnosis of ADHD is clearly defined as a disability. At the time of her plans writing when she began third grade, her academic progress was not being hindered by her disability. Clearly, this is no longer the case.

From all accounts, Emily’s eagerness in the classroom, participation in class, and all around positive attitude, have shown that she has a true desire to learn and achieve. To that end, it is my opinion and hers that she needs more support, on both an emotional and academic level.

After Emily met with Mrs. School Guidance Counselor in the beginning of the year, Mrs. School Guidance Counselor indicated that she had some concerns for Emily, and offered the suggestion that Emily receive counseling services. We have since started Emily’s counseling services with her counselor, of Blah Blah Counseling Services(EDITED FOR PRIVACY). I am requesting that her counselor be allowed to see Emily during school hours.

Due in large part to Emily’s feelings around her lack of organizational skills and the results of that, Emily’s self esteem is suffering greatly. She frequently makes comments like, “Why am I so stupid?”, “Why can’t I be more organized?”, and “I try but I just can’t do it.” While Emily's counselor is working on these and other concerns, our combined schedules make it difficult for Emily to see her more than once every couple of weeks. Emily’s feelings and esteem continue to decline, and this schedule is not adequate enough to really address these issues. Emily’s feelings and esteem relate directly to her organization, an intrinsic part of her life at school, and one of the main reasons both Emily and I feel she is not achieving all she is capable of. While the option to take Emily out of school weekly exists, this would require her to be out of school for two hours, as opposed to the 45 minute session she would miss if these services were taking place at school. Missing two hours of school weekly certainly would not help Emily in her conquest to get organized and achieve a higher level of self esteem.

Emily recently explained the “check mark” program to me. It is my understanding that if a student is missing work, forgetting needed classroom materials, or having behavioral concerns, they receive check marks. If the student receives four checks from one teacher, or ten overall, they are not allowed to participate in the reward at the end of the check mark period. Emily should not participate in the check mark program based on her organizational abilities. Her disorganization is an inherent part of her ADHD, which is defined as a disability. Emily should not be punished for something that is a symptom of her disability. While I certainly believe that there is much room for improvement, and that it is in fact possible that Emily will improve, until she is on a level comparable with her typical peers in regard to organization, participation in this program is not appropriate for Emily.

I would like to request that the following accommodations be added to Emily’s existing 504 Plan:

--Allow for expedient make up of missing homework. If deduction for lateness works, keep doing it. If it does not, recognize the problem as an uncorrectable disability.


--If Emily forgets her homework or any other needed item in her locker, allow her until the end of the day to bring it to you, or if possible get it at the time it is discovered missing.

--Emily should not participate in the “check mark” program based on her organization skills.

I sincerely look forward to meeting with you and discussing this further. I am open to hearing any suggestions and thoughts you may have.

Lunch

Yesterday, I gave Julia a hot dog with ketchup for lunch. After a few minutes, I left her at the table, and ran down stairs to transfer laundry. When I came up? She held her ketchup-covered hands up and said," Well Mom, I guess you caught me red-handed." She had finished her hot dog and used the remaining ketchup left like finger paint, rubbing her hands all over the plate. Amazingly, she managed not to get ketchup on anything else, including her white shirt!

It was probably about the funniest thing she has ever done. When I asked her what made her think of doing it, and especially how she knew how precisely to say the "red handed" comment, she explained that she had seen the characters on the show, "Hi 5" do it with real finger paint. Still, I thought it was pretty amazing that she remembered the show, knew exactly how to use the ketchup, and knew exactly how to say the red handed pun with just the right amount of regret and shame.

It was definitely one of those parental, "Do I laugh or Do I get angry?" moments. I chose to laugh. I did speak to her after all was said and done and just let her know that it might not be the best idea to do something like that in the future. If nothing else it was a great sensory activity for her!

Invasion

This is a major invasion of privacy, not to mention taking parental paranoia too far. A little trust goes a long way, and when that trust is broken? A GPS tracking your child's every move hardly seems like the way to go.

Are you kidding?

This is so unbelievably wrong on so many levels I can't even begin to tell you(the part about weighing and measuring kids etc).

Ok, so I Lied.

I didn't think I had anything else to say tonight, or any time soon for that matter, but I just read this article and was inspired.

I am not one who usually make's an active effort when it comes to New Year's resolutions, but, this year? I am just going to make the overall resolution to improve on myself, in whatever small and big ways I see fit. So, from that list, I am going to try this year to do the following to improve upon my parenting skills:

Don't clip your child's wings. Your child's mission in life is to gain independence. So when she's developmentally capable of putting her toys away, clearing her plate from the table, and dressing herself, let her. Giving a child responsibility is good for her self-esteem (and your sanity!).

Don't try to fix everything. Give young kids a chance to find their own solutions. When you lovingly acknowledge a child's minor frustrations without immediately rushing in to save her, you teach her self-reliance and resilience.

Play with your children. Let them choose the activity, and don't worry about rules. Just go with the flow and have fun. That's the name of the game.

Read books together every day. Get started when he's a newborn; babies love listening to the sound of their parents' voices. Cuddling up with your child and a book is a great bonding experience that will set him up for a lifetime of reading.

Fess up when you blow it. This is the best way to show your child how and when she should apologize.

Trust your mommy gut. No one knows your child better than you. Follow your instincts when it comes to his health and well-being. If you think something's wrong, chances are you're right.

Show your child how to become a responsible citizen. Find ways to help others all year. Kids gain a sense of self-worth by volunteering in the community.

Savor the moments. Yes, parenthood is the most exhausting job on the planet. Yes, your house is a mess, the laundry's piled up, and the dog needs to be walked. But your kid just laughed. Enjoy it now -- it will be over far too fast.

Some of these I already do to one degree or another. Some of them are harder than they may seem (like not trying to fix everything and allowing greater independence). The independence one is especially difficult as they get older...not so much with the younger toddler years...but the older pre-teen years.

Anyway, i figure these are good goals to aspire to. We'll see how it goes.

It has been forever...

...since I posted something of substance here, hasn't it? I am just not feeling it lately for whatever reason, and, honestly? I just have pictures today...but pictures of the kids so that's exciting, right?Christmas morning. Too big to fit under the tree? The new swing set and the details of the Disney trip.

Yay for Christmas!

Enthralled with Edward Cullen...aren't we all?

Just before the opening began...

A huge pile of wrapping paper = a four year old's playground.

The aftermath.

Julia opening her marble set, I think.

She might even be a rock star!

And having nothing to do with Christmas this adorable picture of Julia taken the week before.

Anyway, I will be back...hopefully more regularly at some point!